When you file a personal injury claim in Tennessee, the goal is to hold the at-fault party financially accountable for the harm they caused you.
That is where damages come in. In the context of an injury claim, the term “damages” refers to the compensation a court awards you to make you whole again. To put you in the financial position you would be in if the injury had never happened.
In a Tennessee injury case, most damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
What Are Economic Damages in a Tennessee Injury Case?
Economic damages cover the concrete, readily measurable financial losses that result from an injury. Economic damages compensate you for costs and income-related impacts you can document with bills, receipts, pay stubs, and records. Common examples of economic damages include compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, prescriptions, physical therapy, and any future treatment your injury requires
- Lost wages for any time you missed at work while recovering
- Reduced future earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work long-term
- Property damage costs, such as vehicle repair expenses related to a car accident
What Are Non-Economic Damages Under Tennessee Law?
Non-economic damages compensate you for the harms you suffer that do not come with a price tag. They include the ways an injury affects your daily life, your relationships, and your sense of self. For instance, non-economic damages can provide compensation for:
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Mental anguish and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injury keeps you from the activities you once loved
- Loss of consortium, which refers to the impact your injuries have on your relationship with a spouse or partner
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Are There Caps on Damages in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee law places caps (limits) on non-economic damages in most civil cases. Specifically, the law generally caps non-economic damages at $750,000. In cases involving catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, limb loss, or severe burns, the cap increases to $1 million.
Economic damages are not subject to the same restrictions. Courts award these damages based on your documented losses, with no statutory ceiling.
It is worth noting that these caps do not apply in every situation. If you are pursuing a claim against a defendant whose conduct was intentional or criminally reckless, different rules may apply. Our experienced injury attorneys can help you identify and pursue the full range of damages available to you.
Talk to The Terry Law Firm About Your Injury Claim
The difference between a fair settlement and an inadequate one often comes down to how thoroughly your attorney has prepared your case for damages. Insurance companies have teams of people working to limit what they pay out. Going up against them without experienced legal representation puts you at a real disadvantage.
At The Terry Law Firm, we take the time to understand the complete picture before we ever sit down at the negotiation table or walk into a courtroom.
If you are ready to talk to us about your injury claim and how we can help you maximize your recovery, contact our firm today for a free consultation.
